Only a junior and Charles was already an experienced camera operator and video editor. He has used his unique talents in order to better the world around him. Charles has worked with the Campus Video Network (CVN), maintaining the organization’s budget, editing projects for UM-Dearborn groups and departments, and directing video shoots around campus. In 2008, he was recognized for his leadership with the CVN, as well as his work with local Detroit public schools, when he received the Alumni Society Board of Governor’s Service Leadership Award—an honor only granted to two students each year.

Charles has an impressive record of community service, and has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, The Greening of Detroit, the MLK Day of Service, the Gandhi Day of Service, and Alternative Spring Break. In 2009, he was once again able to combine his audio-visual expertise with a commitment to social justice when he collaborated with a 20-person video crew in order to document the experiences of Alternative Spring Break volunteers.